[ad_1]
- Local rugby has not always been kind to veterans, who have been questioned or underrated in the past, but that attitude has changed.
- This year’s Currie Cup will showcase a host of veterans eager to add value to the home game.
- And, fittingly, they are all ex Springboks.
Following SA Rugby’s announcement on Tuesday that its franchises will return to contact training and that there are plans for a national tournament starting in October, action-hungry fans will not just have to wait for a force-versus-force product (at least initially ).
Local rugby has not always been kind to veterans, who in the past have been questioned or underrated.
However, last year marked a change, as teams were reminded of the value of seasoned stalwarts, and the Schalk Brits had a notable impact on the Bulls.
That trend will continue at this year’s Currie Cup, as several biting “old dogs” bring some wisdom to the mix.
GIO APLON (TOROS, 37)
The fact that the recruitment of the diminutive fullback has led to an overwhelmingly positive response from the broader fraternity of rugby illustrates his enduring value.
Aplon has consistently maintained their standards and brings Jake White a professional.
Along with Morne Steyn, he will mentor a group with backs brimming with promise while also possessing an X-factor for a division that is arguably more hard-working right now than downright exciting.
JANNIE DU PLESSIS (LEONES, 37)
His disappointing form in this year’s Super Rugby campaign caused his detractors to engage in typical “I told you so” satisfaction.
While Springbok’s famous airhead’s tackle remains solid, he seemed to struggle with the pace of the game and clearly had to get used to the Lions scrum system as he was frequently penalized.
Yet it’s easy to forget that Du Plessis only played five games before the season was canceled, a period of time in which even the most skilled players would find it difficult to seal his authority.
The breakup would have allowed him to take stock and he will surely love to prove the critics wrong.
MORNE STEYN (TOROS, 36)
There is a very valid debate as to how the Springbok point machine potentially hampered Manie Libbok’s progress at Loftus.
That said, Steyn’s precise kicks are still a huge advantage and he can still deliver some brilliant moments in attack, particularly showing a nice change of pace to score a good try against the Blues this season.
He makes no secret of his plan to become a coach and is already guiding the schoolboys with his knowledge of tactical kicking.
White, in all likelihood, will be looking to explore his options 10 more than his predecessor Pote Human, but Steyn certainly remains a useful option.
RUAN PIENAAR (CHEETAH, 36)
Class personified.
Since joining the Cheetahs last year, Pienaar has been outstanding.
More than willing to be the second fiddle of his younger teammates, the runner has kept them on their toes to such an extent that it now seems very difficult to get him off the starting side again.
His tactical kick is still as cunning as ever, his serve agile and his instinct for sharp attack.
Along with Herschel Jantjies, are you still the best scrum half in the country?
WILLEM ALBERTS (LEONES, 36)
The Covid-19 pandemic struck at the worst possible time for the “bone collector.”
After being phased back into the Lions setup, the former Bok puncher began adding a notable grunt to a Lions pack that tends to lack overall power.
Alberts provides much needed balance as well to a loose trio better known for their agility and still seems like a very viable option on blocking as well.
You will be very interested in building on a promising platform.
JUANDRE KRUGER (BULLS, 35 this week)
When this underrated old Springbok lock was left out of the Bulls’ touring group for Super Rugby, the wisdom of luring him back to Loftus was questioned.
And given the intentional cleanup White has carried out, there were several observers who thought Kruger would be out the door as well.
However, that the Bulls’ rugby manager kept him on the roster means there is value to be drawn.
Kruger remains one of the best line-out coaches in local rugby, a huge advantage for a team that prides itself on his dominance on set pieces, and his value as a ball carrier should also be more visible in a dominant group. .
